The average Brit sits on £800 of hidden treasure in their sheds
When it comes to sheds, Brits are a nation of hoarders. According to a survey of 2,000 UK adults commissioned by BLAZE, the average Brit is sitting on more than £800 worth of unused items in their shed or garage. From dusty toolboxes to forgotten furniture, it turns out we are unknowingly storing small fortunes in our back gardens.
This research shows just how much sheds have changed from practical storage spaces into dumping grounds for all sorts of treasures. And according to Junk & Disorderly presenter and restoration expert Henry Cole, that figure may only scratch the surface.
A nation of shed collectors
BLAZE's survey revealed that around 65% of Brits haven’t properly sorted through their shed in years. Many people assume it’s junk, but around 45% wonder if they have a hidden treasure somewhere.
Henry agrees.
'There are millions and millions of pounds worth of automotive-related items out there,' he explains. 'When I go into a shed, I can very quickly sift through the rubbish and find the good stuff.'
What are we actually storing?
Take a look inside most sheds and garages and you’ll find a pretty familiar mix of stuff. Individually, none of it seems like a big deal. But over time, it all builds up. Before you know it, your shed isn’t just full. It’s packed with things you don’t use anymore and items that could actually be worth something.
The most common things people admit to storing include:
- Garden equipment or tools
- DIY materials like wood, paint, or tiles
- Old tools or machinery
- Boxes of miscellaneous items
- Bikes and sporting equipment
- Seasonal gear like Christmas decorations or camping equipment
If you dig a little deeper, it’s often where the bigger, forgotten things end up too. Old appliances, unused furniture, children’s items and even car parts or automotive memorabilia.
Why we hold onto so much
So why do we keep all this stuff? Around 59% say they hold onto items because they might be useful one day, while 34% admits it’s for sentimental reasons.
There’s also a reluctance to let go of possessions. Around 53% of people surveyed said they’d rather pass things down to younger generations than sell them. And for 48%, the only real motivation to clear things out would be moving house.
But remember, that hesitation can cost you. Around 25% of Brits admit they’ve already sold or thrown away something they later realised was valuable.
The hidden gems among the clutter
Henry advises, 'Where Brits go wrong is that a lot of things they’re holding onto is worthless. Things like bikes, mobility scooters, brown furniture and white goods. But at the same time, there are loads of things that don’t look valuable but are.'
For example, mid-century furniture, particularly G Plan pieces, which have recently become popular again. Automotive memorabilia can also be valued surprisingly high.
Vintage oil cans and jugs from the 40s and 50s, especially branded ones from companies like Shell, Texaco and Pratt can be worth serious money. Rare examples can even sell for £2,000 or more, with exceptional items valued at around £3,000.
Not bad for something gathering dust in a corner.
A missed opportunity
With the cost of living in most people’s thoughts, the idea of finding even a fraction of that £800 average could make a real difference.
A spokesperson for BLAZE says:
'Adults are far more likely to be sitting on hidden treasures than they realise. It’s all about taking a second look before writing something off as junk.'
In other words, the opportunity is there: you just have to look for it.
Time to take a second look
The humble shed has long been overlooked, seen as just a storage space for odds and ends.
But the reality is far more interesting. Whether it’s an ancient piece of furniture, old tools or a vintage oil can, there’s a good chance many Brits are sitting on items worth real money. And with Henry Cole leading the charge on Junk & Disorderly, more people than ever are starting to realise it.
The question is: what’s hiding in your shed?
Find out why Junk & Disorderly continues to charm audiences with its warmth, wit and wonderfully honest restorations when the brand-new series returns. Tune in now for more laughs, banter and brilliant shed-based escapism.